Aniko Kalovics (HUN) on her way to the win at the Campaccio 2004 race (© Lorenzo Sampaolo)
Cautious enthusiasm was the reigning theme shared by top competitors as they made their final preparations for (Sun 12 Dec) tomorrow’s 11th SPAR European Cross Country Championships in this charming Baltic seaside resort.
MEN – Spanish aim to block Lebid’s path to number five
Defending champion Sergiy Lebid of Ukraine returns as the prohibitive favourite as he aims to become the first five-time winner of the event, but the 29-year-old refused to make any predictions.
Yes, I feel pressure,” he said, “but I really want to do it again. It’s going to be a tough race, particularly with the Spanish, French and Portuguese that are here.” A win by Lebid, who has won the previous three titles after his first in 1998, would break his tie with Portugal’s Paulo Guerra for most individual wins. “I don’t have any specific tactics. I’m just going to watch the others and then decide how to finish.”
Following his formula of the past several seasons, the Ukrainian hasn’t raced since finishing his track season in August. “It’s quite normal for me to start this way,” he said. After a two-month break, he resumed training with a month-long stint in Russia, running primarily on sandy terrain. “It’s the best early season preparation for the legs,” he said.
One man aiming to end Lebid’s continental reign is Jose Manuel Martinez, the reigning European 10,000 metre champion.
“Two years ago, I was prepared, but wasn’t feeling good the day of the race,” the Spaniard said of his 15th place finish in 2002. “Now, I’m preparing for a marathon, and my training’s been fantastic. It’s possible to win.”
Besides Lebid, Martinez said he and teammate Juan Carlos de la Ossa, last year’s runner-up, are podium favourites. “Me and my friend de la Ossa,” he quipped with a hearty smile. “Then Sergiy can have the third step on the podium.”
WOMEN - Hungary’s ace is very strong
As the top returnee from last year, 27-year-old Hungarian Aniko Kalovics, who was third last year in Edinburgh behind Paula Radcliffe and Elvan Abeylegesse, refuses to take on the role of favourite.
“The course is very, very hard,” she said, echoing the sentiments of several runners gathered here. Describing the course’s numerous “ups and downs’ and zig-zags, she admits the course is not near the top of her list of favourites. “But I’m very strong now,” she said, adding that her goal is a spot on the podium. Kalovics has won two half marathons since September.
As they host the event the first time, Germany’s high hopes lie on the petite shoulders of national champion Sabrina Mockenhaupt.
Her 15th place finish last year, she said, “Was alright for my shape last year. But I’m in much better condition this year, and will not be content without a top-ten finish here.” Mockenhaupt, who celebrated her 24th birthday on 6 December, brings the momentum of three consecutive wins to tomorrow’s race.
Team title hopes are still alive for the German squad, despite the last minute departure of Irina Mikitenko, forced out of the competition with the flu. Mockenhaupt will be joined by Luminita Zaituc, Andreina Byrd, Susanne Ritter, and Julia Viellehner.
It’s a pity that Irina is not on the team, but we have three girls who can finish in the top twenty,” Mockenhaupt said.
A strong women’s performance here would be a pivotal step towards a renewed success for German middle and long distance running, said Dr. Klemens Prokop, the head of the DLV, Germany’s Athletics Federation.
“A strong women’s team here is important to the success of cross country in Germany. This event is a start. Until now,” Prokop admitted, in recent years “the German federation hasn’t given much attention to cross country.”
Following up as host after last year’s event, which featured Radcliffe and Abeylegesse, Prokop said, “Is a little bit of a risk, as events are always compared to the previous one. But I think we will have a very successful championship.”
Date move?
The European Athletics Association is still debating whether or not to move the date of the championships, traditionally held at the beginning of the international cross country season, said EAA Council President Hansjorg Wirz.
“The weather in most parts of Europe is a problem with preparation,” Wirz said, adding that discussions about moving the race to later date are still continuing.
A record 373 competitors will compete in tomorrow’s four races, topping the 340 from Medulin, Croatia in 2002.
Bob Ramsak for the IAAF
